“In November, government data confirmed that the manufacturing recession hit bottom during the summer. However, manufacturing technology bookings typically pick up two to three quarters following the overall manufacturing sector,” says Douglas K. Woods, AMT president. “October’s slight decrease from September’s booking is typical of past years and favorably off less than in previous years. Major indicators are still pointing to a turnaround in business, which is welcome news no matter how slow it is expected to grow next year.”

By region, manufacturing technology consumption in the Northeast fell 29.2% from September to $26.27 million. At $268.46 million, the present year-to-date total was down 54.1% compared to 2008.

In the South, manufacturing technology consumption totaled $21.12 million. This was 53.5% higher than September’s $13.75 million but off 36.7% compared with last October. The $187.88 million year-to-date total was 69.0% less than in 2008.

October manufacturing technology consumption in the Midwest hit $47.40 million, down 51.9% compared to the same time last year. The $394.24 million year-to-date total was 70.5% less than in 2008.

Central region manufacturing technology consumption climbed to $35.27 million, 3.2% higher than September but down 58.5% compared to October 2008. With a year-to-date total of $330.02 million, 2009 was down 67.7% from 2008.

In the West, October manufacturing technology consumption totaled $22.62 million, 7.3% less than September and off 39% compared to October 2008. The $191.71 million year-to-date total was down 59.5% compared to last year.